… a congenital neuromuscular disease that stiffens joints and weakens muscles. Lara Cerri
… scientists hope to also understand more common malformations that are congenital but not inherited. Lee Siegel
The skin markings are a benign congenital developmental condition and, on palpation, feel no different to normal skin. Elizabeth Symes
b
: constituting an essential characteristic : inherent
A congenital taste for Greco-Roman themes, which had once found expression in his own paintings, now took the form of a pronounced weakness for buying up statuettes and medallions depicting gods and heroes of classical times. Anthony Powell
At each roll, the ship favored its congenital list, easing farther and farther toward that soft starboard side … Robert Stone
c
: acquired during development in the uterus and not through heredity
Antiparasitic treatment is recommended in acute or congenital infection, in children with chronic infection, and in immunosuppressed patients. Eric M. Isselbacher et al.
PCBs pass through the placenta, cause congenital poisoning, and remain in human tissues for long intervals.Scientific American Medicine Bulletin
2
: being such by nature
a congenital liar
The truth was that Ward was a congenital name-dropper and snob who—though he was undoubtedly treated unfairly—largely brought his troubles upon himself. Anthony Howard
innate applies to qualities or characteristics that are part of one's inner essential nature.
an innate sense of fair play
inborn suggests a quality or tendency either actually present at birth or so marked and deep-seated as to seem so.
her inborn love of nature
inbred suggests something either acquired from parents by heredity or so deeply rooted and ingrained as to seem acquired in that way.
inbred political loyalties
congenital and hereditary refer to what is acquired before or at birth, the former to things acquired during fetal development and the latter to things transmitted from one's ancestors.
a congenital heart murmur
eye color is hereditary
Example Sentences
The irregularity in my backbone is probably congenital. a congenital liar who couldn't speak the truth if his life depended on it
Recent Examples on the WebWithout it, treatable illness such as infections, injuries, complications of childbirth, congenital anomalies, and noncommunicable diseases can be fatal. Shiza Abbasi, STAT, 27 Aug. 2022 For example, in 2005 researchers reported the case of a patient with a congenital physical pain insensitivity who experienced an intense headache for the first time in her life only after the unexpected death of her younger brother. Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2022 To correct a congenital malformation of a heart valve, Sophia underwent heart surgery at just 2 months old and again in 2012. Ellie Beeck, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2022 At about 10 weeks, Nancy Davis' baby was diagnosed with acrania, a rare congenital disorder in which a fetus' skull does not form inside of the womb, according to a statement from civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Davis. Amanda Musa, CNN, 20 Aug. 2022 Two years after Alex died in 2014 due to congenital heart failure, his stepson, came up with an idea to honor his legacy. Jonmaesha Beltran, The Arizona Republic, 15 Aug. 2022 Most hiatal hernias are thought to be congenital, meaning you were born with the propensity to have a larger-than-needed hole in the diaphragm. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 15 Aug. 2022 Under the settlement, the company is barred from selling dogs in Maryland and must refund customers who purchased dogs with congenital or hereditary medical conditions. Cassidy Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 7 Aug. 2022 At birth, 90% of babies born with congenital CMV will not show any visible symptoms of the virus.Essence, 19 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin congenitus, from com- + genitus, past participle of gignere to bring forth — more at kin